Welcome to my plein air journal. This is where you can keep abreast of my many plein air adventures. Here is where you’ll see all things paintable from elegant weddings in Charleston to the Blues Festival in Fargo.

Aug 26, 2009

Fast, faster, fastest

“Six Drummers Drumming”, 6x8" “Heron”, 6x9" “Twirling”, 7x9"

All fast, all plein air and alla prima, and all relatively small — these paintings, regardless of subject matter have much in common. I paint in different styles. I paint in a style that is often dictated by the subject I have chosen to paint. I prefer plein air painting, and so when I come upon subject matter that is either moving or risks moving, I paint fast. Sometimes my subject walks away. On location, I have painted F15 Strike Eagles in flight and was forced to take mental snapshots. Yes! There is such a thing!

I read recently somewhere, by another artist, that if you want to increase creativity, increase the speed at which you paint. You be the judge. The three paintings above were painted at different speeds, which one do you believe to be the most creative?

I conclude one thing. Painting this way is incredibly good practice, and it encourages an artist, not only to observe [more] faster, it facilitates loosening up. In much the same way that I painted these, I paint special events. Be sure to check out my WeddingWatercolor website to see how this type of painting led me down the aisle.

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About Me

After growing up all over the globe, our family took root in North Carolina. Every place before this was never more than three and a half years. I began coloring in England, I began pastels in California, in the Philippines, my dad enrolled me in private oil painting lessons. In North Carolina, I picked up a pencil and never put it down. This led to a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MFA from Syracuse University, a 30+ year career in Minneapolis as an art director and graphic designer. Then it stopped. My mom in North Carolina got sick, and I got Carolina on my mind. In 2003 I moved in with her. God rest her soul, she made me crazy, so I started to paint. Now I have a career as a fine artist. It’s up to friends, patrons, and people like you to keep it that way. Be happy. Buy art made in the USA, preferably from me.